The 2026 IEEE Region 10 Executive Committee (ExCom) Meeting was successfully held in Colombo on January 10, 2026, with 38 ExCom members, one observer, and two IEEE staff members in attendance. I would like to express my sincere appreciation to our hosts in Sri Lanka and to all ExCom members for their active participation and constructive discussions.
During our time in Colombo, we had meaningful opportunities to engage directly with local IEEE members. Sri Lanka has recently experienced significant natural disasters, and we reaffirmed our shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and mutual support in times of crisis. IEEE is not only a professional organization, it is a community that stands together when members and societies face challenges. Region 10 remains committed to enhancing collaboration and preparedness across our Region, particularly in disaster-affected areas.
At the ExCom Meeting, I expressed my heartfelt gratitude to the 2025 ExCom members, NAC members, and subcommittee members for their strong leadership and the excellent outcomes achieved during 2025. The continued growth and vitality of Region 10 are the results of dedicated volunteer efforts across North Asia, South Asia, and the Pacific. I emphasized the importance of continuity with gratitude ensuring smooth leadership transitions while building upon the solid foundations established by our predecessors.
At the end of January, I also had the opportunity to participate in the IEEE SPS Seasonal School hosted by the Maharashtra Section. This marked my first official engagement with the Maharashtra Section in 2026. I was deeply encouraged by the strong participation of students, researchers, and volunteers. The event reflected the vibrant technical strength of the Section and reinforced the importance of supporting student-focused and research-driven initiatives throughout Region 10.
Region 10 continues to demonstrate remarkable growth. Membership, organizational units, student branches, affinity groups, and IEEE Milestones have all shown significant increases. This sustained development reflects not only expansion in numbers but also the strength, diversity, and dynamism of our Region.
Looking ahead, I positioned 2026 as a “preparation year.” As we move toward the 2028 Region Realignment, our focus must be on readiness, clarity, and shared responsibility. Full-scale preparations are underway, including the review of bylaws, governance frameworks, and organizational structures necessary for the establishment of the new Regions 10 and 11. Strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, and ensuring balanced regional representation — including through mechanisms such as the Co-Chair system — remain central priorities.
In preparation for the 2028 Realignment, concrete governance and financial measures have already been initiated. A Region 10 / Region 11 Bylaws Review Working Group has been formally established, comprising representatives from multiple Regions and countries, with careful attention to regional balance and governance consistency.
As we move forward, I encourage all volunteers and leaders to prepare together and move forward together. By strengthening our foundations through collaboration, transparency, and the spirit of One IEEE, we can ensure that Region 10 remains resilient, inclusive, and future-ready.
Let us approach this next phase not simply as organizational change, but as an opportunity to thoughtfully design the future of IEEE in Asia-Pacific.
Takako Hashimoto
IEEE Region 10 Director, 2025–2026